Following a shocking 1-3 defeat to Stade Rennais in the 22nd round of Ligue 1, Ousmane Dembélé, the star forward of Paris Saint-Germain, has launched a scathing critique of his teammates’ performance. In exclusive comments to the French network RMC, the player did not mince words, highlighting a profound lack of collective spirit as the core issue plaguing the squad.
Dembélé emphasized that the team’s catastrophic start to the match was compounded by Rennes’ excellent performance, which he acknowledged they fully deserved. “We urgently need to show greater desire,” he stated, underscoring that the paramount objective must be to play for the team if victories are to be secured.
The French international further elaborated with pointed criticism, asserting that selfish play on the pitch is ultimately futile. Such an approach, he warned, would not lead to the titles the club aspires to win. Drawing a stark contrast with the previous campaign, Dembélé recalled a time when the institution was placed above all individual considerations.
A Call to Rediscover Collective Purpose
Dembélé’s message culminated in a clear directive for the remainder of the season. He insisted that this collective spirit must be reclaimed immediately, particularly during the decisive second half of the campaign. For Paris Saint-Germain, he argued, the club’s success must become the absolute priority, superseding the interests of any individual stars.
When questioned about the impact of this loss, especially coming after a significant victory in the classic match against Marseille, Dembélé reiterated his central thesis. The focus, he maintained, must always be on playing for the club first, not for oneself. He gave full credit to Rennes, noting their determination to exact revenge after a heavy 5-0 defeat in the first leg, and conceded that their performance wholly merited the three points.